ANT
Two young ladies and an old lady are at the door, enquiring if you see
company, Madam.

MR. H.
"Surname and arms"--

MELESINDA
Shew them up.--My dear Mr. Bacon, moderate your joy.

_Enter three Ladies, being part of those who were at the Assembly._

FIRST LADY
My dear Melesinda, how do you do?

SECOND LADY
How do you do? We have been so concerned for you--

OLD LADY

We have been so concerned--(_seeing him_)--Mr. Hogsflesh--

MR. H.
There's no such person--nor there never was--nor 'tis not fit there
should be--"surname and arms"--

BELVIL
It is true what my friend would express; we have been all in a mistake,
ladies. Very true, the name of this gentleman was what you call it, but
it is so no longer. The succession to the long-contested Bacon estate is
at length decided, and with it my friend succeeds to the name of his
deceased relative.

MR. H.
"His Majesty has been graciously pleased"--

FIRST LADY
I am sure we all join in hearty congratulation--(_sighs_).

SECOND LADY
And wish you joy with all our hearts--(_heigh ho_!)

OLD LADY
And hope you will enjoy the name and estate many years--(_cries_).

BELVIL
Ha! ha! ha! mortify them a little, Jack.

FIRST LADY
Hope you intend to stay--

SECOND LADY
With us some time--

OLD LADY
In these parts--

MR. H.
Ladies, for your congratulations I thank you; for the favours you have
lavished on me, and in particular for this lady's (_turning to the old
Lady_) good opinion, I rest your debtor. As to any future
favours--(_accosts them severally in the order in which he was reftised
by them at the assembly_)--Madam, shall always acknowledge your
politeness; but at present, you see, I am engaged with a partner. Always
be happy to respect you as a friend, but you must not look for any
thing further. Must beg of you to be less particular in your addresses
to me. Ladies all, with this piece of advice, of Bath and you

Your ever grateful servant takes his leave.
Lay your plans surer when you plot to grieve;
See, while you kindly mean to mortify
Another, the wild arrow do not fly,
And gall yourself. For once you've been mistaken;
Your shafts have miss'd their aim--Hogsflesh has saved
his Bacon.

* * * * *

THE PAWNBROKER'S DAUGHTER

A FARCE

(1825)

* * * * *

CHARACTERS

FLINT,